#15 Top 40 New Testament Passages: Don’t Worry (Matthew 6:33-34)

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:33-34)

Bobby McFerrin had a number one radio hit, in 1988, entitled Don't Worry Be Happy. The song was unique because the arrangement and production was done completely by McFerrin's own voice. The percussion, the keys, and bass, whistling, backing vocals, etc., was all him! And I think there's a metaphor there for us. If we are going to get out of heads filled with worry, we will have to do it on our own. That doesn't mean without help, but it does mean one has to make a choice for freedom.

Jesus told those disciples gathered for his Sermon on the Mount they they need not worry about what
they are going to eat, or drink or wear. God knows what they need. Instead of worry, trust God to provide, just as God provides for the birds of the air and the wildflowers. Instead of focusing on questions about how we are going to get what we need to eat, or pay the mortgage, center instead on seeking the Kingdom of God and God's righteousness. By doing so you will find all that you need will come to you in God's good graces.

The entire portion of Jesus' thoughts on worry are worth reading (Luke 6:19-34), but the point he leads up to is summarized in the final verses shared above. After Jesus teaches about practicing piety in private ways, so as not to seek the accolades of others, he offers a few thoughts on money. Since money is needed to buy food, clean water and clothing, shelter, transportation and other household needs, the subject of money is not unrelated to the subject of worry. We all have money worries from time to time,

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat. 6:19-20)

Jesus makes a distinction for his disciples. There is earthly wealth and then there are things money cannot buy. The things of God that impart peace and joy to the soul, that strengthens in times of trial, and becomes a sure foundation and unshakable security; these are priceless. And the world cannot provide such things. Neither can we earn them. These are gifts that come through faith in Christ. If we are to be free of worry, our hearts must be centered upon things above, not things here on earth. (Colossians 3:2)

What we value most is where our hearts will center. Some center on the creation and protection of wealth. Others in their children of grandchildren, For others it's sculpting the perfect body, or building a rewarding career. There's nothing evil about valuing wealth or family, health and satisfying work. But these are things that are fleeting, tied to a world that is coming to nothing. If you put all you heart into wealth and the stock market crashes, or you are bled dry by major medical expenses, and you have not invested in your spiritual life, you will find yourself wanting, lost, and empty. 

Where is your focus in life? Look at how you spend you time and your money and you will quickly discern what you value most. If you don't like what you see, perhaps it's time to shift your priorities and align your energies with what you truly care about. 

Jesus continued by stating if you have unhealthy eyes, you will be dark inside. What he means if the eyes of your heart are centered on worry about things in this life, you will suffer. If you are eyes covet and lust and are greedy, you will always be striving for more. It will never be enough.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says

Whoever loves money never has enough;

    whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.

    This too is meaningless.

As goods increase,

    so do those who consume them.

And what benefit are they to the owners

    except to feast their eyes on them?

The sleep of a laborer is sweet,

    whether they eat little or much,

but as for the rich, their abundance

    permits them no sleep.

I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

   wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners...(Ecc 5:10-13)

And finally Jesus says that you cannot serve two masters. One is always going to be shortchanged. (Matthew 6:24)

So if the eyes of your heart are trained to look upon the goodness, faithfulness, and generosity of God, your soul will be filled with divine light! If you value earthly things and neglect your life with God, you will suffer darkness within. Depression is big business in America. Suicide is the second-leading cause for death in people under 35 years of age. Would that we might hear Jesus call us to change our focus!

Jesus said, 

“Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15-21)

Richness toward God means choosing to make your relationship with God the priority in your life. We all have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week given to us to use as we decide, unless you are living in slavery or under the power of a dictator. We often give our time and energy to things that do not feed our souls. What if we truly loved God? What if we chose to love God with all our heart, soul, mind an strength? Wouldn't our calendars look very different? Wouldn't our expenditures reflect God as our chief priority? If you would be rich toward God, then seek first, above all, the reign of God's love in your heart and life. If you love Jesus, you will keep His commandments. (John 14:15)

Worry is based in fear. We fear not having enough. We fear not experiencing all out of life we may desire. We fear being left behind. We fear others getting ahead of us. We fear how others see us. We fear we will never amount to anything. We fear our kids won't turn out right. We fear. And fear is big business in new media and entertainment. There are entire genres of film and music dedicated to producing fear in us.

If you would be free of fear, make a choice. Stop feeding fear. Make Christ your chief pursuit. Seek Him until you find Him and submit your heart and life to His perfect love. Give the throne of your soul to Christ and learn to heed His voice. You will find that as your life aligns with His, you will have everything you need. 

Maybe the Beatles were close to having it right. Love is all you need. If you have the love of God, everything else falls into its proper place. May you find the love of God and may you be given peace, joy and assurance in all things because God is with you.